The Barefoot Running Book - Jason Robillard [34]
If there aren’t many other racers, you can listen for the audible “beep” as you cross the mat.
Pretty much any device will work to attach the timing device to your leg or foot—obviously avoiding staples and super glue. There are some people who use triathlon straps while others prefer to duct tape the chip to their foot. Use your imagination!
In any race, it is important to know your limitations. If you have a desired goal time over any given distance, be sure you have trained for that particular pace. Remember to maintain good form throughout. In the heat of competition, it is easy to allow your form to suffer. I have been guilty of pushing myself harder than I should have, and injuries have resulted.
One ever-important thing to remember: ALWAYS thank all of the volunteers. They are sacrificing their time for you so show your appreciation. Never complain or scold a volunteer. You are representing all barefoot runners so show everyone you are having fun out there.
As for competition, it is always good to compete against yourself. Set goals and always strive for self-improvement. Don’t get caught up in beating those around you. All too often, we get swept up in what others are doing and lose sight of what made running fun in the first place. If winning is important to you, strive to be the best you can be. If that results in your beating others, so be it. Always allow victory to be a by-product of accomplishing your own goals.
Enjoy running for the sake of running, not the rewards of winning a race. George Sheehan said, “Once you have decided that winning isn’t everything, you become a winner.” This is the secret to longevity in running. You will never burn out if you love the process instead of the outcome.
Concept—Trail Running
Running on trails is a wonderful experience! That said, running barefoot on trails can be an even better treat. How better to make the connection with nature than running barefoot through the woods?
Running barefoot on trails does require specific skills:
First, a runner MUST be adept at forming a mental map of the terrain in front of them. And second, they must have fully developed the strength and skill to “hop” around debris.
On trails your foot placement and stride distance will vary resulting in an inconsistent gait. Without proper strengthening, this will quickly lead to fatigue which can increase the likelihood of injury. To have success on the trails the runner should have developed, through experience, the ability to immediately shift their weight in the event they step on a sharp object. When running barefoot on roads, runners quickly learn to avoid sharp objects, though stepping on tiny pebbles and other such debris is inevitable. Finally, the runner has to develop a gait that will allow them to pick their feet up high enough to clear the obstacles on the trail. All the above skills can be developed in a relatively short time.
To develop your trail running skills, it is first necessary to develop good form. Before advancing to this level you should feel comfortable running several miles pain-free on roads. Start slowly on trails beginning with barefoot trail walking. Gradually mix in VERY slow running. As your skills develop, you can increase both pace and distance. Using this formula, it is entirely possible to adapt to running on any terrain.
Be aware that some people recommend you begin barefoot running on trails for one of two reasons: The softness of the terrain or that by avoiding rough terrain you build skills faster. I disagree with both reasons. While the relative “softness” of the terrain is less likely to cause blisters, it is also more likely to hide flaws in your form. As for rough terrain building skills faster, always having to avoid rough spots will increase